Dynamic Aircraft Holding Pattern Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for determining and managing holding patterns for aircraft are inefficient, requiring frequent communication between pilots and air traffic controllers, and do not dynamically adapt to changing air traffic, weather, or fuel consumption conditions, leading to increased flight times and fuel consumption.
Innovation Solution
A flight path holding pattern system that automatically generates and updates holding patterns based on current air traffic, historical data, and weather conditions, using ADS-B tracking and weather determination subsystems to optimize shape, duration, altitude, and speed, allowing for efficient transition to a landing approach without direct pilot-air traffic controller communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an aircraft flies along a fixed holding pattern to a designated exit waypoint, then the aircraft can be directed to wait for landing clearance, but the overall time of flight increases and fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed holding pattern to a dynamic holding pattern where the route, altitude, and timing are continuously adjusted based on real-time aircraft position, predicted holding duration, and optimal exit criteria. The system dynamically modifies the holding pattern parameters to minimize time and fuel while ensuring reliable compliance with air traffic control instructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes multiple parameters including holding pattern route geometry, altitude level, speed, and timing based on predicted holding duration and current aircraft state. By varying these parameters dynamically, the system optimizes the balance between holding pattern compliance and minimizing time/fuel loss.
2Ease of operation
If an aircraft flies along a fixed holding pattern, then the holding pattern can be easily implemented, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts holding pattern parameters including altitude, speed, and route geometry based on real-time conditions and predicted holding duration. This dynamic approach reduces fuel consumption by optimizing the flight path while maintaining ease of operation through automated navigation guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters such as holding pattern altitude, speed, and timing to minimize fuel consumption. The system adapts these parameters based on predicted holding duration and current aircraft state, making fuel-efficient operation automatic while maintaining ease of use.
3Loss of information
If the pilot periodically contacts the air traffic controller to inquire about landing clearance, then the pilot can obtain updated information, but communication time and attention requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically calculating and providing holding pattern duration information to the pilot without requiring communication with air traffic control. The onboard system uses predicted holding duration and current aircraft position to determine optimal exit timing, eliminating the need for periodic pilot-controller communications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring aircraft position and comparing it with predicted holding pattern parameters. This feedback mechanism provides real-time information about expected holding duration and optimal exit timing to the pilot, eliminating the need for periodic status inquiries to air traffic control.
4Productivity
If a fixed holding pattern is used, then the holding pattern can be quickly implemented, but it does not adapt to changing air traffic, weather, or fuel consumption conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static fixed holding pattern to a dynamic adaptive holding pattern that automatically adjusts to changing conditions. The system continuously monitors air traffic status, weather conditions, and fuel consumption rates, then dynamically modifies holding pattern parameters including route, altitude, and timing to optimize performance under varying conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor environmental conditions and adjust holding pattern parameters accordingly. By feedback-driven adaptation to changing air traffic, weather, and fuel conditions, the system maintains optimal performance while preserving quick implementation through automated navigation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A flight path holding pattern system (100) is configured to determine an efficient holding pattern (200, 300, 400, 500, 600) for an aircraft (102). The flight path holding pattern system (100) includes a holding pattern determination unit (106) that is configured to automatically generate the holding pattern (200, 300, 400, 500, 600) for the aircraft (102) based on one or more of current air traffic in relation to a destination airport (204), historical holding patterns in relation to the destination airport (204), current weather conditions in relation to the destination airport (204), and fuel consumption of one or both of the aircraft (102) and at least one other aircraft.